Stakes likely next for Exclamation Point

Exclamation Point, the undefeated half-brother to champion Classic Empire, has a couple of stakes options for his next start, trainer Brad Cox said Wednesday.

Cox said Exclamation Point could run next in either the Grade 3, $200,000 Lexington on April 14 at Keeneland or the $150,000 Northern Spur the same day at Oaklawn.

“We won’t have any decisions until April,” Cox said.

Exclamation Point won his debut Feb. 3 at Oaklawn, winning a maiden special weight sprint. He made the move to two turns March 3 and won a first-level allowance at a mile at Oaklawn.

“He’s doing really well, came out of the race in really good shape,” Cox said.

Exclamation Point races for Steven Nicholson, Brandi Nicholson, and Flurry Racing Stables.

Goats Town, Colonelsdarktemper rematch?

Goats Town and Colonelsdarktemper ran first and second in an allowance March 11 at Oaklawn, and could meet again in the Grade 2, $750,000 Oaklawn Handicap on April 14.

Goats Town earned a career-high Beyer Speed Figure of 97 for his 4 3/4-length win in the allowance. He covered the 1 1/16 miles on a fast track in 1:43.60. Trainer D. Wayne Lukas said Goats Town is being considered for the Oaklawn Handicap.

“I loved his race,” Lukas said. “Every once in a while you get a horse that just puts it all together on a given day and he certainly did that. It was a huge move forward for him.”

Goats Town is a son of Dublin who races for his breeder, Calumet Farm.

Trainer Jinks Fires said he was pleased with the effort from Colonnelsdarktemper, who was making his first start since September, and that he is probable for the Oaklawn Handicap. Last year the horse won the Grade 2 West Virginia Derby for owner A.J. Foyt Jr.

◗ Best of Greeley was a sharp allowance sprint winner March 1 at Oaklawn, and is being considered for the $150,000 Bachelor at Oaklawn, said trainer Gary Thomas. The six-furlong race for 3-year-olds is April 12. Best of Greeley earned a career-high Beyer Speed Figure of 81 on March 1.